The Oyo state government has stated that the federal government did not provide any funds for the upgrade of the Ibadan airport. In a statement released by the special adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the government clarified that the project was approved at no cost to the federal government. According to Olanrewaju, the records of the approval are available with the presidency and the Oyo state government.
The clarification was made in response to a statement by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who claimed that the president had provided N50 billion to Oyo state for the reconstruction of the airport. However, Olanrewaju disputed this claim, stating that President Bola Tinubu's approval for the project was clear: the upgrade would be undertaken at no cost to the federal government. Governor Makinde had submitted a proposal to the president for the reconstruction and upgrade of the Ibadan airport.
The Oyo state government has reportedly financed the comprehensive transformation of the Ibadan airport facility. The upgrade includes the expansion and strengthening of the runway, improvement of the airfield lighting and navigational systems, and apron improvements. Additionally, the government has constructed supporting infrastructure, such as the dualised Airport Road, and enhanced aviation safety installations. Work is also ongoing on a modern international terminal designed to boost passenger and cargo capacity.
According to the Oyo state government, every component of the upgrade has been executed and funded solely by the state. The government expressed disappointment with Wike's statement, describing it as both untrue and unfortunate. Olanrewaju urged the minister to have sought knowledge on the matter before making public comments.
The Ibadan airport upgrade project was approved by the federal government, with the presidency and Oyo state government having records of the approval. The project was undertaken to improve the airport's facilities and enhance aviation safety. The Oyo state government has taken full responsibility for financing the project.
The dispute over the funding of the Ibadan airport upgrade highlights the need for clear communication between the federal and state governments on infrastructure projects. The Oyo state government's clarification aims to set the record straight on the funding of the project. The federal government's role in funding infrastructure projects has been a subject of discussion in recent times.
The Ibadan airport upgrade project is a significant development for the aviation sector in Nigeria. The project aims to improve the airport's facilities, enhance aviation safety, and boost passenger and cargo capacity. The Oyo state government's investment in the project is expected to have a positive impact on the state's economy and the aviation sector as a whole.
Key points
- Oyo state government denies receiving federal funds for Ibadan airport upgrade
- Federal government had approved the project at no cost to it
- Dispute highlights need for clear communication between federal and state governments on infrastructure projects
